Apostolic Life in the 21st Century

Did Peter and Paul preached different gospels? Some proponents of hyper-dispensationalism argue that the church did not begin on the Day of Pentecost but later with the ministry of the apostle Paul. If that were true, they contend, Peter’s message in Acts 2—including his command to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ—was intended for Israel alone and is not binding on the church tod...

What does the Bible say about patriotism? As Americans celebrate Independence Day, many Christians find themselves reflecting on an important question: How should believers balance love for their country with their ultimate allegiance to the kingdom of God? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard explores the relationship between patriotism and Christian faith....

What is the biblical role of an evangelist? Many Christians associate evangelists with traveling revival preachers who move from church to church preaching special services. While that model has been common in Pentecostal circles, is it the same role the apostle Paul described in Ephesians 4:11? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard explores the New Testament...

Daniel 7 records one of the most dramatic visions in Scripture. In it, the prophet Daniel sees the Ancient of Days seated on a heavenly throne while “one like the Son of Man” approaches Him and receives an everlasting kingdom. This passage raises an important theological question: Does this vision reveal two distinct divine persons, or is it portraying something else? In this episode of Apostolic...

What does it mean to “grieve the Holy Spirit,” and should Christians be concerned about it today? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard examines Paul's warning in Ephesians 4:30: “Do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, by whom you were sealed for the day of redemption.” While many believers have heard this phrase throughout their lives, its meaning is oft...

What should a pastor do when a child sincerely wants to be baptized in Jesus’ name, but a parent refuses to give consent? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , UPCI General Superintendent Dr. David K. Bernard offers biblical and pastoral guidance for one of the most sensitive situations a church may face. Apostolic Pentecostals believe baptism is part of the biblical plan of salv...

Is war ever morally justified? Can Christians support military action while still following the teachings of Jesus? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard examines the historic doctrine of “just war” and explores what the Bible teaches about warfare, national defense, and the use of force. Prompted by current global conflicts and the reflection that often accom...

In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard addresses an important question about divine healing and the gifts of the Spirit. In 1 Corinthians 12, the apostle Paul lists the “gifts of healing” (verse 9) among the spiritual gifts and makes it clear that not every believer operates in this gift (verse 30). Yet in Mark 16:18, Jesus said believers would lay hands on th...

What does it really mean to be “called” to a ministry? In Pentecostal circles, pastors often testify that God specifically led them to a church, city, or ministry assignment. Congregations likewise take comfort in believing their pastor was divinely directed, not merely hired like someone applying for a job. But that raises an important question. After seeing a church advertise a pastoral opening...

Should Apostolics pursue higher education, or does academic study put faith at risk? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard addresses an important question facing many in the Apostolic movement. Should higher education be approached with caution, or is it essential to the future of the church? What is the proper perspective? Drawing from his own academic journ...

Who was Tertullian—and why does he still matter to Christians today? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century, Dr. David K. Bernard explores the life, writings, and lasting influence of one of the most significant figures in early church history. Frequently cited in discussions about the development of the doctrine of the Trinity, Tertullian’s ideas continue to shape theological conve...

With the Pope once again in the global spotlight, questions about his authority—and the authority of the church he leads—are drawing renewed attention. Both the Roman Catholic Church and the Eastern Orthodox Church claim an unbroken line of leadership stretching back to the apostles. According to this view, today’s bishops—and ultimately the Pope—stand in direct succession to the apostle Peter. Bu...

Are there any “Heaven or Hell” rules Christians must follow in order to be saved? If so, what are they and how should we understand them? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard responds to this frequently-asked question which often arises in discussions about holiness, not only among Oneness Pentecostals, but across conservative Christian communities. Dr. Bern...

Can We Really Do Greater Works than Jesus? Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with Dr. David K. Bernard In John 14:12, Jesus made a remarkable promise: “He who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do.” But what did He mean? Jesus healed the sick, raised the dead, and demonstrated power over nature itself. How could believers possibly do “greater...

Did Jesus Go Preach in Hell? What happened between Good Friday and Easter Sunday? Christians around the world pause each year to remember the death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. We commemorate His crucifixion on Good Friday and celebrate His resurrection on Easter Sunday—but what does the Bible say about the time in between? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr....

How to Pray with Spiritual Seekers Apostolics are rightly passionate about praying with those who are seeking the baptism of the Holy Spirit, but some approaches can become overly emotional or place unintended pressure on seekers. In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard offers practical guidance for praying with others in a way that avoids manipulation, honors...

Is It OK for Christians to Sue? An Apostolic believer recently asked an important question: If a Christian is injured in an accident, is it wrong to seek compensation through legal action? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard responds to a real-life situation involving an auto accident that resulted in injuries and property damage. The listener wondered whet...

What is the biblical relationship between the Father and the Son? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Centur y, Dr. David K. Bernard explains how Oneness Pentecostals understand this vital question. Drawing from his book The Oneness of God , he unpacks the statement, “Although we do not believe that the Father is the Son, we do believe that the Father is in the Son.” Looking at key passa...

Can We Derive Doctrine from Bible Stories? Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with Dr. David K. Bernard Nearly 60 percent of the Bible is written in narrative form. Instead of presenting theology in systematic outlines, Scripture often teaches through stories, especially in books such as Acts. But can doctrine be established from these narratives? In this episode, Dr. David K. Bernard addresses a...

Episode 252: Should Women Wear Head Coverings When They Pray? In 1 Corinthians 11:5–6, the apostle Paul wrote that a woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered “dishonors her head.” Did Paul mean that women should wear a literal, physical head covering when they pray? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard carefully examines 1 Corinthians 11 and mak...

Family relationships are being reexamined across today’s culture, as more adult children choose to cut off contact with their parents in the name of “boundaries.” What began as a broader social trend is now affecting Christian and Apostolic families as well. In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard addresses a challenging and deeply personal question: Does Scrip...

Has the Church Replaced Israel in God’s Plan? Apostolic Life in the 21st Century with Dr. David K. Bernard In light of ongoing global attention on the nation of Israel, many Christians are revisiting an important theological question: Has the church replaced Israel in God’s plan, or does God still have a future purpose for the Jewish people? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century ,...

Does the Didache teach Trinitarian baptism? In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard examines the Didache, an early Christian document frequently cited in debates over baptism and early church practice. The Didache includes instructions to baptize “into the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit,” as well as guidance related to fasting before...

Is abortion ever justified? Although the 1973 Roe v. Wade Supreme Court ruling has been overturned, abortion remains widespread, and debate continues—particularly over whether there are circumstances in which abortion might be considered justifiable. Drawing from Scripture and Christian ethics, Dr. Bernard addresses common objections often raised in public discussion, including cases involving rap...

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. famously observed that “11 o’clock on Sunday morning is the most segregated hour in America.” In this episode of Apostolic Life in the 21st Century , Dr. David K. Bernard reflects on that statement and its ongoing relevance for today’s church. Dr. Bernard also discusses the importance of multicultural ministry and shares practical, biblical insights on how churches can c...